The 2024 edition of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria’s (ARCON) annual National Advertising Conference will take place from November 13–15 at the Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly the Sheraton), according to a statement made by the sectoral groups representing advertising and marketing communications.
Dr. John Momoh, the Chairman of the Channels Media Group, will speak on the theme “Navigating the Shifts: Technology, Culture, and New Business Models” at the press briefing that was recently held in Lagos. Other prominent figures in the industry will also be speaking on various subjects during the three-day event.
According to Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director General of ARCON, the conference is an expression of the organization’s dedication to cooperation and will guarantee that the resolutions discussed there are addressed with the goal of hastening the expansion of the advertising sector.
“We are collaborating to make sure that the National Advertising Conference in 2024 is a huge success, one that develops significant alliances and breakthroughs for the future of the industry.”
Speaking on the choice of the theme, the Chairman, Organizing Committee, Tunji Adeyinka said “The year 2024 has brought a lot of shifts into the economy and our industry. According to the consulting company, PWC, Nigeria’s GDP grew by 2.98% in Q1 2024 compared to 2.31% in Q1 2023. Inflation increased from 22.41% in May 2023 to 33.95% in May 2024. The drivers were food, utilities, and transportation.
“Advertisers are facing multiple challenges partly from high costs of doing business on the production side and lower consumer spending due to increase in prices in the face of low wages. The PWC Study on the contribution of the Advertising industry and the multiplier effect put the size of the industry at N605.2b in 2023 and projected growth to N893b by 2028. With the devaluation of the naira, the industry needs to begin to look at new growth strategies in the context of the current situation.
“That is why the theme of this year’s NAC is Navigating the Shifts: Technology, Culture, and New Business Models,” he stated.
He explained further that Dr. John Momoh, the Chairman of the Channels Media Group will kick off the conference at the Fireside Chat on the 13th of November.
On the 14th, the plenary sessions will have speakers like Dr. Tayo Aduloju the CEO of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group who will speak about the economy, and Mr. Seni Adetu, the GCEO of First Primus West Africa who will speak about Industry Consolidation. Also during the CMO Forum; Adebola Williams (Promasidor), Morolake Emokpaire (Mondelez), and Kemi Longe (PZ) will be interviewed by Eyitayo Olayemi, the host of the podcast, Diary of a CMO.
Other plenaries on the 14th would look at the myths and realities of Generative AI and other topics like Marketing Trends, Technology, Youth Culture other key sessions.
He revealed that in total, they will have 8 plenary sessions with interactive sessions.
On the final day, they will have twelve different breakout sessions holding on three parallel stages, making a total of 21 sessions. The Gala Dinner will take place on the last day of the conference.
“This year is perhaps our most ambitious in scope and reach and there are sessions for practitioners from different sectors and regions across Nigeria. In summary, the NAC this year offers topical discussions, networking opportunities, and of course an opportunity for professionals to garner professional credit points,” Adeyinka said.
Also present at the press briefing are Sectoral heads commended ARCON for spearheading the conference. They urged their members and other stakeholders to be part of the event, adding that the previous events have been impactful.
The sectorial heads include: Mr. Lanre Adisa, President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) Mrs. Tolulope Medebem, President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria, (EXMAN), Dr. Omoh Abunene, Vice President of the Out-of-Home Association of Nigeria, (OAAN), Mrs. Brenda Nwagwu, Vice President of the Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria, (MIPAN), and Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, the Executive Secretary of Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, (BON).
The National Advertising Conference is a gathering of members of the marketing communications profession across different industries.
